Trending Beauty Hacks (That Actually Work)
Key takeaways
- While many “hacks” are dubious or dangerous, some unconventional tips really do deliver results.
- It contains zinc oxide, which protects and repairs the skin barrier.
- Dermatologist Neera Nathan confirms that a layer of diaper cream can help calm redness and “wake up with glowing skin”.
- Makeup artists note that warm orange tones cancel out blue/purple darkness.
Overview
Every day, new beauty tricks go viral. While many “hacks” are dubious or dangerous, some unconventional tips really do deliver results.
Below are a few trending beauty hacks that experts say are effective: • Overnight Diaper Cream Mask: Applied thickly as a mask, diaper rash cream can heal and soothe skin overnight. It contains zinc oxide, which protects and repairs the skin barrier.
What’s happening in your skin
Dermatologist Neera Nathan confirms that a layer of diaper cream (after cleansing) can help calm redness and “wake up with glowing skin”. It’s especially useful if you have irritation or very dry skin – zinc oxide works as a healing emollient. • Orange Lipstick as Color Corrector: For dark under-eye circles (especially bluish hues), a salmon/ orange lipstick or corrector can neutralize shadows under concealer. Makeup artists note that warm orange tones cancel out blue/purple darkness.
Simply blend a bit of orange concealer under the eyes, then apply your normal concealer on top. (This is a color theory trick, not a skincare treatment, but it’s a beauty “hack” that truly works for concealing circles.) • Setting Spray/Powder Before Foundation: Instead of only using setting spray or powder after makeup, try spraying or lightly powdering your bare skin before foundation. This preps the face: a mist hydrates or a translucent powder mattifies, creating a smooth, grippier base for foundation. Many find that makeup goes on more evenly and stays put longer with this reverse application.
What to do
The key is to let the spray or powder absorb fully before moving on. • Heated Eyelash Curler: Similar to hair curling, gently warming your eyelash curler (with a hairdryer or lighter tested carefully) for a couple of seconds before use can help lashes set in a curl better. Makeup pro Rupert Kingston explains that the slight heat makes curls last longer and be more dramatic. Just be extremely careful: test the temperature on your hand first, and always let the curler cool before touching skin or lashes. • Hemorrhoid Cream for Puffy Eyes: This old-school hack has made a comeback.
Unscented hemorrhoid cream (with ingredients like phenylephrine) can constrict tiny blood vessels under the eyes. Applying a small dab under puffy eyes (with a patch test first) often visibly reduces swelling and makes the under-eye area look firmer. It really works as a quick fix for bags before special events. • Rubbing Alcohol for Broken Powder: If your favorite face powder or eyeshadow palette shatters, rescue it by adding a few drops of rubbing alcohol.
Stir into a paste and press it back into the pan, then let it dry overnight.
Bottom line
The alcohol evaporates completely, leaving the powder intact and reusable. It’s a simple DIY that saves makeup from the trash bin.
These are a few examples of “viral” hacks that have research or expert backing. Of course, always use caution (e.g. patch-test new tips like hemorrhoid cream under the eye), but these clever tricks are surprisingly effective.
Note: This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Sunscreen and retinoids can increase sun sensitivity, and pregnancy or medical conditions may change what is safe for you.